Alternatively known as 'the Italian Riviera', Liguria occupies the coastal littoral of north-western Italy, the region bordered by the Gulf of Genoa (northern Mediterranean) on one side and the mountains at its back. Neighbours (working from east to west) are Tuscany (Toscana), Emilia-Romagna, Piemonte (Piedmont) and France.
The main city is Genoa (Genova) with other towns including La Spezia, the Cinque Terre villages, Portovenere, Levanto, Rapallo, Chiavari, Portofino, Varazze, Savona, Albenga, Alassio, San Remo, Albenga, Noli, Ventimiglia and countless coastal villages in between.
From the coast, the mountains rise steeply, thickly carpeted in olive groves and vineyards and there are delightful little mountain villages to discover. Must-sees include the five former fishing villages of the Cinque Terre, shoehorned into the rugged cliffs, the glamorous old town of San Remo with its casino, the chic resort of Portofino, and the atmospheric old port city of Genoa. Pesto originates here, and other menu staples include anchovies, seafood generally (lots of coast), focaccia, farinata and pandolce. Wines include Sciaccetra dessert wine, Pigato and Vermentino white, and Rossese di Dolceacqua red.
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, just to whet your appetite,
as well as links to individual towns in Liguria (top left);
See also Liguria hotels (full listings) and our Liguria hotel map.
